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| One World Trade Center stands tall at 1,776 feet. |
New York City is full of sights to see. From gazing over the city from the Empire State Building to walking the Brooklyn Bridge, just a day or two in the city that never sleeps can feel overwhelming. However, the next time you disembark a luxury cruise ship in the Big Apple, make sure you visit these venues and get the most out of your shore excursion.
The biggest new thing in New York City, in more ways than one, is One World Trade Center. Built on the site of the twin towers that were destroyed on 9/11, and just steps from the 9/11 Memorial Museum and Memorial Plaza, it’s the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere and the fourth tallest in the world. Rising to a symbolic 1,776 feet, it is truly a marvel to behold.
As of press time, the One World Observatory was scheduled to open to the public on May 29 on floors 100, 101 and 102 of what most New Yorkers still stubbornly and passionately call the Freedom Tower. In less than 60 seconds, five “Sky Pods” — dedicated elevators — will zoom visitors from the ground floor of One World Trade Center to the top, where they’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views, innovative interactive exhibits and world-class dining options. For a smooth visit, VIP tickets should be purchased in advance (www.oneworldobservatory.com/tickets; 844-696-1776). Admission tickets are timed and dated and available in 15-minute intervals during regular hours of operation (seven days a week, 9 a.m. to midnight through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. thereafter until May 5, 2016). Advise your clients to arrive 15 minutes prior to the entry time printed on the ticket.
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| The Woolworth Building was completed in 1913. |
Clients can continue to learn about 9/11 at The Woolworth Building, which was once the tallest building in the world for 17 years. This spring, the iconic Woolworth Building is launching guided tours of the cathedral-style lobby and building, which includes a special 9/11 themed tour. “The Woolworth Building and 9/11 Memorial Tour” is a guided tour that focuses on skyscrapers, commerce and terrorism in New York City. The two-hour tour begins in Woolworth’s lobby and continues on to sites, including St. Paul’s Chapel, the Millennium hotel, Engine 10 firehouse and ends at the national 9/11 Memorial site. Clients interested in touring just The Woolworth Building can choose between a 30-, 60- and 90-minute session. An example tour will lead guests outside to observe the façade and gothic tower; it will continue through the lobby where guests will learn about the many visible caricatures. As an added bonus, the tour gives guests exclusive access to the mezzanine level. Private and individual tours can be arranged and led by Helen Post Curry, the granddaughter of the famed architect Cass Gilbert. Advisors should contact Helen Post Curry at [email protected].